PRICE: ~$15

WINERY: Conde de Hervías

COUNTRY: Spain

SUB-REGION: Rioja

With one more Minnesota weekend trying to reach into the 50s, I knew I had to try to get another night on the grill before the snow falls. I went in search of some good wine to pair with some big, fat rib eye steaks. I happen to be wondering around St. Paul and stopped in at two of my favorite wine shops and picked up a couple different bottles. Got home and presented the options to my wife, and she leaned towards the Conde de Hervías “Mencos” Rioja which was reflexively recommended by Chuck Kanski at Solo Vino since his favorite varietal is Tempranillo.

I have to admit, I was a little concerned when I was getting flowers and vanilla on the nose, as I had added a little red pepper to the meat. I thought I might have muscled the wine right out of contention. But it held its own with its very ripe, steel-fermented bad self. After a few sips, I started to get some earthiness and tobacco on the nose, as well as tart cherry and tannin on the palate. The pairing worked fine, but I enjoyed the wine after dinner even more so.